Redundant Writing – Phrases To Avoid

We are all guilty occasionally of redundant writing, and in truth it isn’t easy to avoid all the time. But there are redundant phrases that can make a writer look a little silly at times. Redundant refers to verbosity and duplication, which is fine in everyday speech, but unforgivable in professional writing disciplines. Here are some redundant phrases you will do well to avoid.

1. Added bonus – added implies that something extra has been given, so to use these two words together is duplication.

2. Difficult dilemma – a dilemma is difficult by nature, and therefore doesn’t need the word difficult before it to define its stance.

3. End result – a result is the end of an outcome, so omit end as it is duplication.

4. Enter in – to enter is to go in. You don’t need both words.

5. False pretense – pretense is falsification, and so you can lose false.

6. Forever, and ever – ever is a duplication of forever, and therefore unnecessary.

7. Free gift – this is debatable, but in my mind, by nature a gift is free.

8. Invited guests – this is a funny one people us. Again, by nature guest are invited via an invitation.

9. Insight into – an insight looks into something, no? Perhaps, but it isn’t easy using “insight” without “into” following in sequence.

10. Past history – history is the past, and therefore this just sounds odd.

11. Postpone until later – postpone is to put something off until later.

12. Still remains – something that remains is still in place, and therefore still is redundant.